Certified Peer Specialist - Outpatient Program

Description

​​​​​The Bridge offers supportive housing and behavioral health services to vulnerable New Yorkers facing behavioral health and substance use challenges. We provide individuals with the tools they need to pursue their dreams and live meaningful lives. The Bridge envisions a world where adults experiencing serious mental illness can live and thrive within their communities. As a recognized leader in developing and operating supportive housing and community-based programs, The Bridge has 70 years of experience helping New Yorkers with mental illness, including those affected by homelessness, incarceration, and institutionalization.  

Scope of Position: The MHOTRS Certified Peer Specialist plays a vital role in engaging and supporting clients throughout their involvement with the program. This includes meeting with individuals referred to the MHOTRS program to initiate the admission process and maintaining regular contact through phone, text, and in-person visits to ensure continuity and support. Once clients are admitted, the Peer Specialist works to build strong, trusting relationships and provide ongoing engagement. A key focus of the role is to connect with individuals who are disconnected from services or who have had frequent presentations to the Emergency Room (ER) or Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program (CPEP), helping them navigate the system and access the care they need.

Essential Position Functions:

• Assist and encourage individuals to develop natural supports and incorporate these supports into Treatment Plans and client-related meetings.
• Work with clients, families, and staff in a caring and respectful manner, with understanding and consideration for cultural differences.
• Accompany clients to community appointments as needed.
• Identify barriers impacting clients’ ability to participate in services and collaborate with clients to address these challenges.
• Complete required documentation for every client contact accurately and on time, in accordance with agency policy.
• Ensure all documentation meets regulatory guidelines for the appropriate level of care.
• Assist clients in accessing transportation to appointments; in some cases, escort clients as needed.
• Immediately report serious incidents, allegations, or sensitive situations to supervisors.
• Attend staff meetings, supervision sessions, and required trainings.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• OMH Certified Peer Specialist.
• Experience using Electronic Health Records (EHR).
• Flexible, creative team player who is open to feedback.
• Bilingual in Spanish is highly preferred.

The Bridge Inc. is an Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity Employer